Ko Tao (เกาะเต่า) is a small island in southeastern Thailand. Because its shape resembles a turtle, it is also known as Turtle Island. With its beautiful coral reefs and abundant marine life, it offers excellent diving conditions and is one of Thailand's most famous diving destinations.

Tao Yuanming Island's underwater world is renowned as the "Diving Kingdom" of the Gulf of Thailand. Underwater, sunlight filtering through the water reveals a vibrant underwater world, making objects dozens of meters away clearly visible. The island is famous for its light orange-red corals, which cling in large patches to the seabed rocks, refracting brilliant colors against the backdrop of the seawater. It's also a paradise for tropical fish, with schools of colorful and diverse creatures swimming freely in the ocean. Even standing on the shore, you can see these colorful fish at any time, inviting visitors to play hide-and-seek with them.

A slow pace is the main theme of Turtle Island, where time seems to slow down. In the gentle atmosphere of Turtle Island, one's mindset becomes peaceful, tranquil, and detached from worldly strife.

This area used to be teeming with hawksbill turtles and green sea turtles. However, due to global warming and the rapid development of tourism, especially diving, the lives of marine life in this region have been severely impacted. In 2010, Thailand released over 700 hawksbill turtles and green sea turtles to celebrate Queen Sirikit's 78th birthday. Previously, from July to September each year, the turtles would dig nests on the beaches to lay their eggs. But now, they can no longer be found; these creatures have moved on to find even more remote and untouched habitats.

Best time to visit

Similar to Koh Samui, September and October are the best times to visit Koh Tao. During this period, it's dry with little rain and plenty of sunshine. November to February is the wet season, with occasional light rain. March to October is the dry season with very little rainfall. Because Koh Tao has a tropical climate, it's suitable for tourism and vacations year-round.

Transportation on Dojima Island

Koh Samui to Dao Island

The journey from Koh Samui to Koh Dao requires a boat trip, which takes approximately two hours. Two companies operate the ferry service: Lomprayah and Seatran. The travel time is roughly the same, but the price may differ by 50-100 baht. If you are traveling directly from Koh Samui International Airport to Koh Dao, you will need to purchase your ferry ticket at the ferry company counter in the airport terminal. The ferry company will then provide a shuttle to the pier, which takes about half an hour from the airport. Lomprayah: +66 2 6290011, www.lomprayah.com

Seatran66 2 2402582 www.seatrandiscovery.com

Purchase at Koh Samui airport, pier, street vendors, or through hotel reception.

After booking your ferry tickets at an agency or hotel, they will give you a receipt. A ferry company vehicle will pick you up from your hotel at the agreed time. Upon arrival at the pier, follow the staff's instructions to exchange your receipt for a ferry ticket at the window. You will receive a sticker and a luggage tag, each a different color depending on your destination. Attach the sticker and tag to your luggage. This sticker allows the ferry staff to determine (remind or prevent) when you disembark and which vehicle you will take. The ferry will depart for Ban Mae Had Pier on the west side of Doi Island.

If the sea is rough during the boat trip, seasickness may occur. It is advisable to take seasickness medication or use seasickness patches before boarding. Koh Samui - Tao Timetable (for reference only)

Note: The above boat trips will pass by Koh Phangan and Koh Nang Yuan. Please heed the staff's instructions when disembarking and do not disembark prematurely.

Internal transportation of Dao Island

Hotels on Doo Island generally offer pier shuttle services. If you want to explore the island on your own, you'll need to rent a car. When renting, try to rent a four-wheel drive vehicle and avoid motorcycles. Because the road conditions on Doo Island are poor and the weather is hot, please be careful.

Michishima Accommodation

Due to limited resources on Dojima Island, hotel conditions vary depending on price. It is recommended to choose a higher-quality, more expensive hotel when booking. Free shuttle service is available between the hotel and the pier. (Star-rated hotels and resorts)

Jamahkiri Resort & Spa, Surat Thani Province ★★★★

Jamahkiri Resort & Spa is located near Thian Og Bay on Do Island. It offers luxurious rooms with Wi-Fi and complimentary pier transfers. 66 7 745 6400

From 7000 THB/night (for reference only) 21/2 Moo 3, Koh Tao, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand www.jamahkiri.com

Koh Tao Cabana Hotel ★★★★

Dao Island Lodge is located near the white sands of Sai Ree Beach in a tranquil location. The rooms are well-equipped and blend harmoniously with nature. The hotel's restaurant serves delicious food, and the staff are friendly, making it ideal for vacations and honeymoons.

66 7 745 6504 From 5300 THB/night (for reference only) 16 Moo 1, Haad Sai Ree, Koh Tao, Koh Phaghan, Suratthani, Surat Thani 8 www.kohtaocabana.com Budget Accommodation

Koh Tao Toscana Resort

Tao Island Tuscany Resort is just a 10-minute walk from Chalok Baan Kaow Beach. Guests can easily walk to diving, snorkeling, and fishing spots at reasonable prices and in clean conditions. 66 84 722 5558 From 1300 THB/night (for reference only) 12/14 Moo 3, Tamboon Koh Tao, Surat Thani 84360, Thailand Asia Divers Resort offers excellent and attentive service with a range of convenient amenities. Rooms are decorated in Asia Divers Resort's unique style and include a minibar, fan, free Wi-Fi, complimentary bottled water, and a private bathroom. The hotel offers numerous recreational facilities such as a spa, outdoor pool, non-motorized water sports, massage, and garden for relaxation. Asia Divers Resort is the ideal place to explore Tao Island and unwind.

From 800 THB/night (for reference only) www.asia-divers.com 18/1 Moo 1 | Sairee Beach, Koh Tao, Thailand

Special tour

diving

This island is suitable for diving year-round, with clear, high-quality water and surrounded by beautiful coral reefs. There are over 30 gentle, warm-water dive sites nearby, perfect for beginners. Diving training here is relatively inexpensive, and it's the largest diving training center in Southeast Asia, issuing 60% of Thailand's diving certifications. The island boasts over 200 dive shops, and international diving training organizations such as PADI, SSI, CMAS, TDA, and BSAC have agents there. Due to its affordable and high-quality diving training and stunning underwater world, Koh Tao is the world's second most popular diving destination.

Diving basics

Deep diving is divided into deep-sea diving experience and freediving. Deep-sea diving experience does not require swimming skills, and prior diving experience is not necessary. The deep-sea diving experience involves experiencing the joy of diving under the guidance of two instructors, typically diving to a depth of about 12 meters. Freediving requires a diving certificate.

Diving Certificate

Many professional diving organizations worldwide, such as PADI, NAUI, BSAC, SSI, and CMAS, offer diving certification training. Among them, PADI certification training centers are the most widespread, with locations all over the world.

Types of diving

Skin diving refers to a diving method in which a diver stays submerged in water for the duration they can hold their breath until they can no longer hold their breath and surface. It can be further divided into two types: "float diving," which involves simply floating on the surface without submerging, and "breath-hold diving," which involves holding one's breath and submerging.

Supplemental oxygen diving refers to diving where divers receive a supply of oxygen during their dive. Scuba diving, in particular, involves divers wearing air tanks and breathing through the air inside the tanks underwater for extended periods. This is currently the most common type of diving, and generally, when people talk about diving, they are referring to scuba diving.

Basic requirements and safety of diving

There is no age limit for diving. However, considering that younger people may have difficulty understanding the course content, most diving instruction groups stipulate that the minimum age for obtaining a diving certificate is 12 years old.

People who are not good at swimming can also go diving.

While swimming ability isn't the primary concern during diving, divers must possess a certain level of swimming ability. When registering for diving training abroad, applicants are typically required to be able to swim approximately 20 meters freestyle. Those who can easily swim 100 meters freestyle, are not afraid of water, can open their eyes underwater, and are in good physical condition are, of course, more suitable for diving.

It is important to note that diving is not suitable in the following situations: when intoxicated, or when suffering from heart disease, epilepsy, a cold, nervousness, asthma, diabetes, high (low) blood pressure, or ear, nose, and throat diseases.

Nearsightedness does not affect diving

Prescription masks are acceptable, but wearing contact lenses is discouraged. Contact lenses are easily washed away underwater. More importantly, as divers ascend, nitrogen is released from the eyes and body, and contact lenses can hinder this process, potentially harming health.

Watching the sunrise and sunset

Dodo Island boasts stunning scenery, making it a truly beautiful place to watch the sunrise and sunset. The ever-changing light and shadow transform the island into a breathtaking spectacle. In the distance, you can see the silhouette of a rock formation resembling a giant sea turtle. This "sea turtle" lies quietly on the shore, silently observing the rising tide and the setting sun. Time seems to slow down, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful and tranquil life, detached from worldly strife, in the gentle flow of time.

There are many clinics in Sairee Beach and Mae Haad on Koh Tao, while the nearest hospital is located on Koh Samui.

Electricity on Michishima is hard-won and very expensive, so please turn off the lights when you leave your room.

Don't throw paper or other things into the toilet, as it can easily clog the pipes and is difficult to clean.

Wear mosquito-repellent clothing containing DEET, especially at dawn and dusk.

Dojima Island has a fragile ecosystem, yet it receives over 100,000 tourists annually. Therefore, it's definitely not advisable to...

When diving, you can only look, not touch! This applies to turtles, corals, and other marine life.

Do not drink alcohol before diving. Do not fly within 12 hours after a single dive on a single day; if you have multiple dives on a single day...

It is not advisable to fly within 24 hours after a dive, otherwise you are prone to decompression sickness.

Most restaurants on Doi Island are located within resorts or hotels; travelers typically eat at their own accommodations.

Chiang Rai (เชียงราย) is the northernmost province of Thailand, founded in 1262. It borders Myanmar and Laos to the northeast and north, and is approximately 785 kilometers from Bangkok. Covering an area of ​​11,678 square kilometers, it sits at an altitude of 580 meters and is a crucial passage to the border town of Mae Chan. In the 16th century, Chiang Rai was occupied by Myanmar until 1786 when it was returned to Thailand and became part of the country. It was officially established as a province in 1910 during the reign of King Rama VI.

Chiang Rai, the capital of Chiang Rai Province, is located on the south bank of the Khokh River in the heart of the Chiang Rai Basin. It is a major trading center for rice, tea, fruit, and timber. Chiang Rai was once the capital of the Nalan Kingdom and retains numerous Nalan relics. Today, innovative Nalan architecture created by modern artists is a major focus of global attention. These exquisite buildings are beloved by travelers, with the White Temple and Black Temple being prime examples of modern Nalan architecture.

Chiang Rai boasts not only the ruins of ancient colonies and Buddhist temples, but also extraordinary natural beauty. The remote mountains, villages, and the Golden Triangle region—once a hub of the opium trade—offer travelers unique experiences.

Compared to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai is quieter, more tranquil, and more mysterious, blending the charm of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar in one place. The sweet rural life offers travelers a chance to reconnect with their souls. Today, Chiang Mai warmly welcomes every visitor, showcasing its beauty to the world.